Stay warm this winter with the Utility Bill Help program

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Facing escalating costs for basics like rent or mortgage payments, groceries and other services, older Coloradans should know about the Utility Bill Help (UBH) program.

The UBH is a program supported by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and it is in its second pilot year. Consumers who enroll in the program have certain bills capped at six percent of their income, helping ease financial strains now through June 2025.

“The PUC is proud of the UBH program that has helped connect the state’s most vulnerable families with existing utility energy assistance programs,” PUC Director Rebecca White stated. “This income-qualified program, in its second year, has played a critical role to help save people money, and keep them safe and warm in their own homes.”

Do you qualify for the UBH?

The following are the two requirements to qualify:

1) You are a customer of Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Atmos Energy, or Colorado Natural Gas.
2) You are receiving assistance from one of the following benefit programs:

• Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Medicaid
• Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
• Subsidized Housing (Housing Choice Voucher, previously known as Section 8)

Already enrolled in the Low-income Energy Assistance Program? No need to apply for this program, as LEAP enrollees should receive similar program referrals.

Karen Moldovan, AARP Colorado advocacy director, said, “We know that increased heating costs can cause economic instability for older Coloradans. Applying for programs like this one can make a difference in the financial health and well-being of older Coloradans. We want to spread the word to Coloradans who will benefit. You deserve to be warm in the winter and not stressed by the costs.”

For more information on the Utility Bill Help program, visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies page,* call 303-869-0380, or email dora_utility_bill_help@state.co.us. Staff members are willing to assist with applications if customers have technical difficulties with the online application.

*This is not an AARP website. Any information you provide to the State of Colorado will be governed by its privacy policy.